Evergreen Commons: Creating an Ecological Cultural Centre at Toronto's Don Valley Brick Works

Type of initiative FCM Green Municipal Fund - Plans, Studies, Pilots
Sector Multi-sector (Plans)
Project value$700,000
Project Type Plan
Sub Sector Sustainable Neighbourhoods
Grant amount$350,000
Program type GMF
Municipality City of Toronto, ON
Status Fully Disbursed
Population 2,794,356
Project timeline 2005 - 2011
Project number 5527

Description

Evergreen Environmental Foundation, the City of Toronto and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority are working in partnership to transform the Don Valley Brick Works into the Evergreen Commons - a cultural and ecological center where visitors can experience first-hand how nature makes cities more liveable. This planning study will provide a comprehensive review of the technical options available to retrofit existing facilities, present their financial viability and propose needed infrastructure to operate the site. The planning process will utilize design charrettes and follow an integrated design approach. The retrofit measures and infrastructure technologies will be selected based on life cycle cost accounting and will address the themes of energy, water, wastewater, stormwater, building envelope, landscaping, urban agriculture and solid waste diversion. They will adhere to sustainable design principles by preserving the original building and integrating energy efficiency measures into it. It is anticipated that these measures and the implementation of renewable energy options will lead to a reduction of approximately 2,202 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.

Applicant

Evergreen, ON